Maryland Department of Natural Resources

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The programs are aligned with NGSS, Common Core, & Maryland’s Environmental Literacy Standards.​
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Tackle Loaner Program

 

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has made fishing equipment available to borrow for free at multiple sites across the state. Maryland’s Tackle Loaner Program is available to individuals, families, or to groups, depending on the site.

This free program aims to encourage novice anglers and their families to continue to develop their angling skills in the Maryland outdoors. The department welcomes all ages and families that may be camping, hiking, or using parks for other outdoor recreational activities to loan equipment too. The goal is to make recreational fishing as easy and accessible as possible for anyone wanting to enjoy the sport.

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Get Your Fishing License Here


Individuals under the age of 16 are not required to obtain a license to fish.

More information on Maryland Fishing Licenses.


How it works

  1. Find a site near you. Loaning sites include public libraries, state parks, nature centers and local parks.

  2. ​Fill out this brief Borrower Form

  3. ​Check out your loaned gear at the selected site. Individual sites may have different check out policies, please communicate with the site to make sure you are following proper procedure.

  4. Go fishing!!

  5. Return gear to site on the agreed-upon date (some can be loaned for multiple days at a time).

Tip: consider calling ahead to check that gear is available, as some sites are busier than others!


Fishing Gear Available

  • Rod and Reel: Basic spincast reel and rod setup with bobber, split shot sinker, swivel, and circle hook.
  • You will need your own bait! Check out Fish Facts for more information on bait types. Some state parks have bait vending machines and/or sell bait in their park stores.

Current Tackle Loaner Program sites:​


If you are interested in becoming a tackle loaner site please fill out this request form!

There are a variety of locations listed below: State parks, Public Libraries, Nature Centers, etc…The maximum number of rods per individual, on-site or off-site use permission, and programmatic offerings may vary at each site. Group programs are by reservation only. Please make sure to plan and coordinate with the contact listed for that site when reserving free tackle.


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Site
  
County
  
Contact
  
Loaner Information
  
On-site/Off-site
  
Boonsboro Branch LibraryWashington401 Potomac St, Boonsboro, MD 21713 (301) 432-5723IndividualOff-site
Bruinswick LibraryFrederick915 N Maple Ave, Brunswick, MD 21716 (301) 600-7250IndividualOff-site
C. Bur Artz LibraryFrederickN/AIndividual
Centreville Branch LibraryQueen Anne's121 S Commerce St, Centreville, MD 21617 (410) 758-0980IndividualOff-site
Deale LibraryAnne Arundel5940 Deale Churchton Rd, Deale, MD 20751 (410) 222-1925IndividualOff-site
Dorchester County Public LibraryDorchester303 Gay St, Cambridge, MD 21613 (410) 228-7331IndividualOff-site
Eastport-Annapolis Neck LibraryAnne Arundel269 Hillsmere Dr, Annapolis, MD 21403 (410) 222-1770IndividualOff-site
Edgewater LibraryAnne Arundel25 Stepneys Ln, Edgewater, MD 21037 (410) 222-1538IndividualOff-site
Fair Hill Nature CenterCecil630 Tawes Drive, Elkton, MD 21921 410-398-4909. info@fairhillnature.org.  This nature center does not have open hours. You must schedule a time for pick-up.Individual/group Group programsOn-site or off-site
Gunpowder Falls State ParkHarford and BaltimoreDundee Creek Marina 410-335-9390 May: Weekends only - 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m, closed Wednesdays September: Weekends only - 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.Individual/group  Group programs may be requested Memorial day - Labor day. Staff dependent.On-site
Hart-Miller Island State ParkBaltimore410-592-2897Group ProgramsOn-site
Janes Island State ParkBaltimorejanesisland.statepark@maryland.govIndividual/GroupOn-site
Joppa Branch LibraryHarford655 Towne Center Dr, Joppa, MD 21085 (410) 612-1660IndividualOff-site
Kent Island Branch LibraryQueen Anne's200 Library Circle, Stevensville, MD 21666 (410) 643-8161IndividualOff-site
Mountain Road Community LibraryAnne Arundel4730 Mountain Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122 (410) 222-6699IndividualOff-site
North Point Branch LibraryBaltimore1716 Merritt Blvd, Dundalk, MD 21222 (410) 887-7255IndividualOff-site
Ocean City Branch LibraryWorcester10003 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842 (410) 524-1818IndividualOff-site
Patapsco Valley State ParkBaltimore and Howard Counties410-461-5005 / patapsco.statepark@maryland.govIndividual/GroupOn-site
Phillips Wharf Environmental Education CenterTalbot672 West Glenwood Avenue, Easton, MD 21601 (410) 886-9200 pwec@pwec.orgIndividual/group Group programsOn-site
Pocomoke River State ParkWorcester410-632-2566 / pocomoke.statepark@maryland.govGroup programsOn-site
Rocky Gap State ParkAlleganyrockygap.statepark@maryland.govIndividual/GroupOn-site
Ruth Enlow LibraryGarrett6 N 2nd St, Oakland, MD 21550 (301) 334-3996IndividualOff-site
Severna Park LibraryAnne Arundel45 W McKinsey Rd, Severna Park, MD 21146 (410) 222-6290Individualoff-site
Tuckahoe State ParkCarolinetuckahoe.statepark@maryland.govGroup programsOn-site
Westminster Branch LibraryCarroll50 E Main St, Westminster, MD 21157 (410) 386-4490IndividualOff-site

Additional Resources

Visit the links below for detailed information on fishing:

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